In a city like Tigard, OR—where Pacific Northwest weather brings heavy rain, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional soil movement—concrete surfaces face a unique set of challenges. While concrete is designed to be long-lasting, it’s not immune to wear and damage. Spotting the early warning signs can help you avoid larger issues down the road.
At Legendary Concrete – Tigard, we understand how local conditions affect your concrete. Here are the top five signs your concrete might need repair or full replacement.
1. Cracks That Spread Over Time
While small hairline cracks are common, cracks that grow wider or longer are a red flag. This can be caused by moisture infiltration, ground shifting, or simply years of pressure and use.
Driveways and patios are especially susceptible—particularly in Tigard’s rainy climate, where moisture can worsen underlying problems. If the cracking is extensive, patching may not be enough. Replacement could be the safest solution.
2. Uneven or Sunken Concrete Surfaces
Have you noticed sections of your concrete that slope, sink, or appear uneven? This is usually due to poor soil compaction, erosion, or water runoff undermining the slab from below.
Concrete sidewalks and walkways often show this kind of wear and tear first, becoming potential trip hazards. Uneven areas may be lifted or leveled in some cases, but if the damage is widespread, replacing the slab might be necessary.
3. Flaking, Pitting, or Surface Erosion
When the surface of your concrete starts to chip, pit, or flake away, it’s usually the result of water exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, or the use of de-icing salts. In Tigard, winter temperatures combined with rainfall can accelerate this kind of surface erosion.
Stamped concrete and older concrete slabs may show signs of this damage first. If surface deterioration is widespread, resurfacing may not be enough, and a complete replacement may be more cost-effective in the long term.
4. Standing Water After Rain
Concrete should be slightly sloped to direct water away. If you notice water pooling on your driveway or patio after it rains, it’s likely a sign of poor drainage or shifting concrete. Over time, standing water can weaken the concrete, cause stains, and even lead to mold or mildew growth.
This issue is especially common in concrete patios or driveways that were not properly graded. Resloping or replacing the slab may be necessary to prevent further damage.
5. Rust Spots or Exposed Rebar
Rust-colored stains or exposed steel rebar mean that water has penetrated deeply enough to corrode the internal reinforcement. This weakens the concrete from within and often leads to cracking or structural failure.
You may see this on older retaining walls or heavily used concrete slabs. Once reinforcement is compromised, replacement is usually the only safe and lasting option.
Reliable Concrete Services in Tigard, OR
At Legendary Concrete – Tigard, we provide a full range of concrete solutions tailored to the needs of homeowners and property managers in the area. Whether you need to update your outdoor space or address serious structural issues, our team delivers with quality and precision.
Our services include concrete driveways, concrete patios, concrete demolition, sidewalks, stamped concrete, concrete slabs, masonry, pavers, and retaining walls and more. No matter the size of the job, we work with attention to detail and lasting durability in mind.